Hernandez’s lawyer, Jose Baez, is taking it one step further, calling for a full investigation.

“We are shocked and surprised at the news of Aaron’s death,” Baez told TMZ Sports.

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“There were no conversations or correspondence from Aaron to his family or legal team that would have indicated this scenario was a possibility.

“Aaron was looking forward to an opportunity for a second chance to prove his innocence. Those who love and care about him are heartbroken and determined to find the truth surrounding his untimely death.

“We request that authorities conduct a transparent and thorough investigation. The Baez law firm will participate in its own examination into the tragic events and will update the media and public on its finding when it becomes available.”

For what it’s worth, the Massachusetts Department of Corrections formally ruled the death a suicide:

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“On April 19, 2017 Aaron Hernandez was discovered hanged in his cell by corrections officers at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley Massachusetts at approximately 3:05 a.m., lifesaving techniques were attempted on Mr. Hernandez and he was transported to UMASS Leominster where he was pronounced dead at 4:07 a.m. by a physician at the hospital,” the department said in a statement. “Mr. Hernandez was in a single cell in a general population unit. Mr. Hernandez hanged himself utilizing a bed sheet that he attached to his cell window. Mr. Hernandez also attempted to block his door from the inside by jamming his door with various items. The Massachusetts State Police are on the scene and the investigation continues. Mr. Hernandez’s next of kin have been notified.”

Hernandez was in the midst of serving a life sentence with no possibility of parole for his involvement in the murder of Odin Lloyd in 2013. He was found not guilty last week in the 2012 murders of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado.

In a tragic twist for all those involved, due to a little-known legal principle in Massachusetts known as “abatement ab initio,” in purely legal terms, Hernandez died an innocent man.

Hernandez is also leaving a legal mess in the wake of his untimely passing. Questions pertaining to lingering civil suits, a possible life insurance payout and his pension for playing in the NFL are all unresolved issues that could drag on for a while.

Whether this was a suicide or not, Hernandez’s death could have a long-lasting impact on everyone involved.